In the past year of blogging I've had the chance to explore a loooot of the drugstore beauty stands (seriously, when I'm out shopping with friends or family they pretty much expect me to have tried and be able to advise on whatever it is they've picked up!) I thought I would put together a Drugstore Starter Kit of the high-quality, easy-to-use basics I think anyone new to budget makeup should check out!
Base
I had a long, hard think about foundation (as I am definitely more of a high-end girl for this) before eventually settling on L'Oreal True Match Foundation (£9.99). This is partly because I think most people will be able to find a decent colour match in this line and partly because of the formula. The finish is really natural and when first applied is light-to-medium but can easily be built into a fuller coverage. It's also a rare one I think would work for both oiler and drier skin types as it's neither dewy nor matte.
For concealer I have two picks as I wish someone had told me when I first started wearing makeup that what works for your spots isn't necessarily going to work under the eyes! For under eyes it has to be the Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer (£7.99, full review here). I know a lot of people are against this product because of the applicator however I find that the combination of the sponge and the light, fluffy texture of the concealer means you can't go wrong with this. It feels so light and natural but gives a really nice amount of coverage. It practically blends itself and will never cake.
Base
I had a long, hard think about foundation (as I am definitely more of a high-end girl for this) before eventually settling on L'Oreal True Match Foundation (£9.99). This is partly because I think most people will be able to find a decent colour match in this line and partly because of the formula. The finish is really natural and when first applied is light-to-medium but can easily be built into a fuller coverage. It's also a rare one I think would work for both oiler and drier skin types as it's neither dewy nor matte.
For concealer I have two picks as I wish someone had told me when I first started wearing makeup that what works for your spots isn't necessarily going to work under the eyes! For under eyes it has to be the Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer (£7.99, full review here). I know a lot of people are against this product because of the applicator however I find that the combination of the sponge and the light, fluffy texture of the concealer means you can't go wrong with this. It feels so light and natural but gives a really nice amount of coverage. It practically blends itself and will never cake.
My pick for blemishes is a product I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with: the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (£4.19). Personally I find this a bit too heavy and drying under the eyes and I also doesn't feel it lasts that well, but what do I know? A lot of people love it. However I think this is really excellent coverage on spots and blemishes (probably the best you will get for this price). The downside of both these concealers is that they come in a very limited colour range.
There's only one powder for me and that is the Bourjois Healthy Balance Compact (£8.99). It really gets rid of any facial shine without taking the glow out of your skin or making it too flat. I also find this doesn't look dry or cake-y so you can re-apply as much as you want throughout the day.
Cheeks
Cheeks
Blusher is a tricky one as I think Sleek do some fantastic ones, however they tend to be really pigmented so you can easily go wrong with them. Instead I've chosen the Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Seductive Pink (£8.99, full review and swatch here). Of course different shades suit different people but I also found the texture and quality of this natural pink the best in this line. It's so pretty and natural, easy to work with and doesn't go patchy during the day.
As the Max Factor Blush is sort of a highlighter as well, I've skipped over that and picked a bronzer instead. I'm curently a bit obsessed with the Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Bronzer in Golden Days (£4, swatch here). I have a couple in this line and they're not super glittery or orange or anything like that. They just give a lovely natural sheen to add a bit of golden colour to the face.
As the Max Factor Blush is sort of a highlighter as well, I've skipped over that and picked a bronzer instead. I'm curently a bit obsessed with the Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Bronzer in Golden Days (£4, swatch here). I have a couple in this line and they're not super glittery or orange or anything like that. They just give a lovely natural sheen to add a bit of golden colour to the face.
Eyes
There are a few eyeshadow options in my little kit, the first of which is the Maybelline 24-Hour Colour Tattoo On & On Bronze (£4.99, swatch here). If you don't have this in your life: get it! It's the most gorgeous bronze-y-golden-brown cream eyeshadow. There's no glitter at all, just a gorgeous metallic sheen. You just stick your finger in and go to town on your eyelid; it really is that easy. The formula is creamy enough to apply with minimal effort but once's it's in place it won't budge. It gives the illusion of you wearing more than one colour so it's a great one-wash shade or you can use it as the base for any neutral eye look.
For a palette I've picked out MUA Heaven & Earth (£4, review and swatches here) which I've been neglecting since last summer but I recently cracked out again and I fell in love all over again. You get 12 gorgeous, wearable shimmer shades that look so pretty on the eyes and the quality is just out of this world at this price-point.
For a palette I've picked out MUA Heaven & Earth (£4, review and swatches here) which I've been neglecting since last summer but I recently cracked out again and I fell in love all over again. You get 12 gorgeous, wearable shimmer shades that look so pretty on the eyes and the quality is just out of this world at this price-point.
As the MUA palette is all shimmers and to give you a single eyeshadow option, I've also picked out a matt shade: Natural Collection's Solo Eyeshadow in Milk Chocolate (£1.99, swatch here). This is one of my favourite matte eyeshadows, budget or otherwise as the texture is so buttery smooth and the nicely-pigmented pinky-brown shade is the perfect crease colour.
My favourite drugstore mascara and possibly my favourite ever is Maybelline Lash Sensational (£7.99) (post and before/after here) Mascara is one of those things that's really down to the individual but I feel this gives me curl, length and volume. I'm usually more about the definition but there's something about Lash Sensational that just does it for me!
For eyeliner, I'm sure regular readers guessed: Soap & Glory's Supercat (£6, post and swatch here). This is The One for me because it stays inky and black for so long, doesn't transfer all over my oily eyelids and the tip is the perfect size and shape for my go-to winged liner look.
For brows is another everyday staple for me: Soap & Glory's Archery Brow Pencil (£8). I'm sure I'm not the only one who used to draw their brows on with that Rimmel brow pencil. I actually don't think the Rimmel one is bad but for a beginner it's too soft and goes blunt very easily, leading to an unnatural look. For ages it was the only option but since discovering the Archery Brow Pencil this is all I'm using! Firstly it's really thin and twists up so you never have to worry about sharpening it and it's firm enough to be able to get a nice thin line and isn't too pigmented. Also you get a spooly on the other end to brush it all out.
Everything Else!
Everything Else!
Lips was a tough one but one of my most-used drugstore lip products and one I thoroughly recommend for beginners is the Revlon Colourburst Lip Butter in Pink Truffle (£7.99, post and swatch here). This is the one I reach for when I'm halfway out the door as it goes with everything and is so effortless to apply (even using your phone camera on the bus!) It's a sheer lip colour in a gorgeous natural pink-toned nude.
To finish up, my brush pick has to be Real Techniques. They have a variety of different starter sets which are all amazing quality and here I have the Expert Face Brush (£9.99) as it works so well with the L'Oreal foundation. The bristles are really tightly packed and the slightly domed bristles help you get into all the tricky spots to achieve that flawless finish.
What would go into your Drugstore Starter Kit?
Great picks, I always wanted to try out the real techniques expert face brush, everyone seems to love it! :)
ReplyDeleteUrban Obsessions // Vegan Food & Lifestyle Blog
Definitely give it a go :) xx
DeleteI love the MUA palette and the Natural Collection eyeshadows you mentioned, they're both some of my staples. I also love the True Match foundation, I agree that there is most likely a shade for everyone in the collection. I swear by Seventeen Stay Time Concealer and Natural Collection's powder blushes, they're some of my favourites.
ReplyDeleteEmily // Beauty and Lifestyle Blog
xx
Yeah I agree Natural Collection do some lovely blushers :) xx
DeleteI love all the products you've mentioned! Although, I've never tried a MUA palette!
ReplyDeleteshewhoisshort.blogspot.co.uk
It really is a find! xx
DeleteGreat picks - I love the bourjois healthy balance powder! x
ReplyDeleteYour hair looks gorgeous - I always feel so uncomfortable and awkward in salons, it's nice to know this one isn't like that x
Heather | Of Beauty & Nothingness x
Me too! :) xx
DeleteI really need to try L'oreal True Match! Love the Maybelline Colour Tattoo and the Natural Collection eyeshadow- great staple products x
ReplyDeleteYou definitely do ;) haha xx
DeleteGreat choices! I really want to try the Makeup Rev bronzers x
ReplyDeleteEmma | Emmys Blog
They were such a surprise love for me as I'd never given them a second look before! xx
DeleteI took the sponge off the Maybelline instant age rewind concealer for sanitary purposes, so I twist it and apply with my fingers! Easy fix for whoever doesn't like the applicator :)
ReplyDeleteRachelShuchatMakeup
That's a great idea! xx
DeleteThis is such a brilliant starter kit!! I recently picked up that eyeshadow in 'milk chocolate' and I am obsessed with it x
ReplyDeleteBlushhx
Such a great everyday shade! xx
DeleteI definitely agree that L'Oreal True Match is the perfect fits-all starter foundation. Pink Truffle is a great recommendation too - it's a really nice one for easing your way into wearing lipstick in the day :)
ReplyDeleteAmy | Lilac Lemon
Yes definitely - such an easy everyday lip colour :) xx
DeleteI love Loreal true match & the soap & glory supercat liner, such good products! xx
ReplyDeleteGemma Louise | Just Little Things
I can't live without Supercat! xx
DeleteThese are some good ones you got in this post.There are some of these that I need to hunt down!
ReplyDeletehttp://ktmcgworld.blogspot.ca
Definitely check them out! xx
DeleteI love posts like this! I couldn't agree more with you with all the bits you picked!
ReplyDeletefixmeinfortyfivex.blogspot.co.uk - A Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
xx
I love seeing what other people pick too :) xx
DeleteI'm such a huge fan of the majority of these, and the few I haven't yet tried will definitely be added to my shopping list!
ReplyDeleteHeather, porcelainbeautyx
Hope you enjoy ;) xx
DeleteI agree with you on so many of these! Except I realllllly don't like the Collection concealer..
ReplyDeleteallthatshimmers.co.uk xo
I can see where you're coming from as I definitely hate it sometimes but I do find it hides spots! xx
DeleteI'm 100% with you on the Maybelline color tattoos! And I'd recommend the Real Techniques blush brush too! I use it daily!
ReplyDeleteShe Likes to Shop
I love the blush brush too :) xx
DeleteI feel a similar way about the concealer, it continues to work really well for me x
ReplyDeleteHannah | Heyitshannaah
Yeah I think it's all about using different concealers suited for different purposes xx
DeleteThis is a great list of drugstore products and I agree on Maybelline Instant Age Rewind and Maybelline Colour Tattoo Bad to the Bronze, everyone should have both in their makeup collection.
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
I totally agree :) xx
DeleteSuch a fun and helpful post. The Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer would definitely be in my drugstore starter kit. And the Revlon Lip Butters. Which reminds me I haven't used the couple I have in so long...
ReplyDeleteBeauty Isles | An Island Girl's Beauty and Lifestyle Blog
Yeah I seem to neglect them sometimes but they're lovely for Spring/Summer :) xx
DeleteThis is such a great starter kit for anyone new to makeup, so many great picks. I still need to pick up Soap & glory Archery brow pencil, dunno why it's taking me this long to get onto it x
ReplyDeleteBeauty with charm
It's seriously amazing - try it! xx
DeleteWe have very similar drugstore makeup taste! Most of what you've picked out I would recommend too, I also LOVE the Maybelline Fit Me concealer, the S&G Powder is nice as well. My favourite blush is from Natural Collection and I love Sleeks eyeshadow palettes, great quality.
ReplyDeleteEmma x
Writing Essays With Wine
I need to try the Soap and Glory powder! I agree Sleek do some wonderful palettes and I love Peach Melba by Natural Collection :) xx
DeleteI love and own almost all the products you showed! And this remind me to go back to my Revlon lip butters and check out this new Maybelline mascara ;)
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Arabesque
The Maybelline mascara is just amazing! xx
DeleteThis is such a good starter kit, i agree with all these product especially the Maybelline Colour Tattoos, MUA Palette and Collection Concealer!
ReplyDelete<3
perfectfixations.blogspot.co.uk
Glad you enjoyed this :D xx
Deleteso many of these products are in my everyday routine! I have also just started using the soap and glory eyeliner, love it!
ReplyDeleteMaybelline Color Drama giveaway over at Velvet-Winter if you fancy entering:)
I agree it's amazing! xx
DeleteYou picked so many great products I would have included as well, especially the Supercat liner and Collection concealer! :) I'm disappointed with the colour of my Fit Me concealer so I'm looking forward to trying the Age Rewind one, hoping it comes in much lighter shades!
ReplyDeleteKat | www.kathorrocks.com
The Age Rewind concealer unfortunately only comes in two shades - it's so annoying! xx
DeleteWhat an excellent pick and I totally can see myself purchasing everything if I needed a beginner's kit. I love majority of the products listed and I love that they cater to a variety of skin tones. Lovely post as always and love your photos!!..xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much lovely! xx
DeleteSo many great products, but I defiantly would recommend the revolution palette (the £8 one) over the MUA one, tiny bit more expensive but so amazing
ReplyDeletePale Aesthetic Blog :)
Personally I prefer the shades in MUA one to the MUR ones available in Superdrug stores but each to their own :) xx
DeleteI love the S&G eyeliner, it glides on so smoothly! xxx
ReplyDeletewww.angerawrs.co.uk
Agreed! :) xx
DeleteI love all of these! Great suggestions for someone who is just getting into makeup and none are too expensive! great post! :)
ReplyDeleteThe Beauty Ideal
Lauren
xo
I'm glad you enjoyed! :) xx
DeleteSuch good products, still loads I want to try. I love your blog x
ReplyDeleteLucy | www.foreverseptemberr.blogspot.com
Thank you :) xx
DeleteLovely post!! I love the MUA palettes and they are so affordable!! I have also been loving the Makeup Revolution palettes - the pigmentation is AMAZING! I've never tried the L'Oreal true match, would it be suitable for going abroad?:)
ReplyDeletewww.kirstyjennifer.com
Generally I prefer the MUR palettes over the MUA ones but Heaven & Earth really is something special for me!
DeleteAlso (sorry for the late reply!) it depends in what way, it can be applied lightly and doesn't get too shiny if that's what you mean! xx
Awesome post for newbies to drugstore makeup! I know exactly what you mean about friends and family expecting advice haha, I sometimes get whatsapp messages from aunties asking for tips for dark circles or best applicator for foundation - I secretly love it xD
ReplyDeleteIqra |The Blushing Giraffe x
Haha I know the feeling ;) xx
DeleteGreat picks , few of the products you show I used and love , and some I really want to try ) hopefully one day i will be abe to
ReplyDeleteI hope so :) xx
DeleteAbsolutely love all of these products! And own pretty much all of them too!
ReplyDeletehttp://kissand-make-up.blogspot.co.uk/
Glad we're in agreement haha xx
DeleteAwesome blog post sweetie !
ReplyDeleteThank you xx
DeleteI just read your high end starter kit and it bought me here, and so glad I did
ReplyDeleteI absolutely swear by Soap & Glory's archery, and I can't wait to try out more of the products that you recommended
Thanks for sharing!
What Raj Wants